Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/07/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]A year ago I traded in 35mm kit (including my favourite, well battered Nikon F3 HP with MD-4 motordrive and 50mm F1.2 AIS lens) for 645 kit. This was a big mistake as I realised how much I missed the available light shots and portability that only 35mm offered. Medium format's great but it does have short-comings. Anyway, I remembered some favourite shots of the family taken in the pub (whilst relatively drunk on ale) and felt disappointed that the 645 could only replicate it if I used flash (fine in the studio, but crap when you want to be inobtrusive!) so then I reconsidered buying another F3. Luckily, I checked Leica's reputation as a street photogs. dream kit and decided to check it out. Obviously, the conversion to Leica took no time at all! They had a serially produced Noctilux for a King's ransome and a whisper quiet shutter on the M6 (although the F3 is pretty quiet if you don't use the MD-4). Anyway, I ended up buying a s/hand M6 0.85 and Noctilux recently. Now, the Nocti is very demanding in use and I'm finding it awkward to ensure that the closest eyeball is pin-sharp. But, get it right and the results are fantastic. I loved the old Nikkor 50 F1.2 but the Nocti is King. The M6 is definitely easier to focus. I mostly use Kodachrome 200 for candid shots and the Leica shots stand out in comparison on the light box. Originally, I was cynical of this bokeh thing but now can appreciate what's said. So far, the challenge is:- 1) drink ale and wait for friends to become relaxed and extrovert. 2) still match them drink for drink BUT be able to take shots at 1/60th @ F1 (I live in the UK and frequent a rather dark 16th century pub). Leaning on the pub table helps stabilise camera and lens and is essential when drunk! Technique:- 1) Always get your friends to sit or stand near the windows. Better lighting. 2) I do not use the M6 meter - it slows the process down and people realise you're taking a shot and become self-concious. Instead, in advance, I take an incident light reading and pre-set/guess the focal distance. Then raise the M6 to the eye, focus and carefully squeeze the tit. 2) The Leica handgrip helps with the heavy lens. 3) Can't use hyperfocal focussing as DOF is too shallow AND brain is too pissed to work it out! 4) I use a soft release as I think the M6 release is not too smooth. I've got big digits so I use the spirit level type of soft release. 5) I'm careful of photographing strangers as they can take umbrage. That's why I chose the M6 as it's discreet. With care, I can still get the pictures. Downsides of the Nocti:- 1) Was a bit concerned though to see that at F1 you get vignetting in the corners. I have to bear this in mind when framing. Not easy when inebriated. 2) I wish it could focus closer than 1 meter. So FWIW the Nocti is worth the investment. I might be broke now but I've got joy of ownership. With careful use it gives you great pleasure and you can celebrate, with another drink, when you show your friends the photos the next time you meet them in the pub! Hopefully, you get some good embarrasing poses on film! Obviously, this is the only reason for visiting pubs.........I swear its got nothing to do with the ale! I'd like to try the 75mm F1.4 but think its too close in focal length to the Nocti. If only they'd make an 85mm F1.4. Kind regards, Paul. Fortunately, none of my friends are into photography so there's no chance of LUGGERS seeing pictures of me on the LUG!